Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Karola

What is it like to live in Budapest? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

My Budapest it's the combination of dark history, suffer, uprise, grace and dignity.
Gives you the feeling that you are a small spot in the big city, but that's a good thing, never getting tired of it, always something to explore, and always something to love:)

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

It's the capital (ok not the biggest city in Europe, but...) so I couldn't count on two hands how many universities there are, therefore so many students, that I sometime hate the school-time cause I can't get on the bus:) Lot of strong and prestigious schools so you can find your expectation in any field. Because of the multicultural style of the city you could say that the student lifestyle is diverse and unique.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

Depends how much you like to sped and how comfortable you are. I know cities that are much more expensive, but since its the capital, it's the most expensive in Hungary. Let's say without any extra you could live a normal month with 500-700 euros (rent+utilities, food and transportation)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Budapest? Is there any advice you can give?

It's not difficult at all, it's a big city with lots and lots of apartments, shared or single ones.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The hungarian cuisine it's very varied, you can find all kind of tastes you'd like. Sour, spicy, hot, sweet...
Try some gulyás or pörkölt, lángos or hekk you'll get used to everything:)

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

What's not to visit in Budapest?:)
Take a long walk on the banks of the Danube, sunbath on the top of the Fisherman's bastion and enjoy the view that's at your feet. Sweat in on of the world-famous thermal baths, go on the top of the basilica and see the colourful rooftops of downtown...it's a never ending "to do" list :)

Is the nightlife good in Budapest? Where is good to go?

Every street and every corner has a "kocsma" you can get drunk in:) But the most visited and touristical party places are around Dohány and Kazinczy utca downtown. Check out the Szimpla or the Instant, you will certainly fall in love with them:)

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

If you wanna fall in love into a city, Budapest is your place:) You will not want to go back home:)